Representatives from four labour unions supposedly part of a splinter group from the Malaysian Trade Union Congress (MTUC) held a 15 minute closed-door meeting with Human Resources Minister Fong Chan Onn today.

What transpired is unknown. The five representatives did not attend a press conference held by Fong after the meet. The latter declined to comment on the matter.

Led by Railwaymen Union of Malaya (RUM) president Abdul Razak Hassan, the representatives included RUM secretary-general Jaafar Alias, Union of Beverage Industry Workers president Awang Ibrahim, Resort World Employees Union president Robert Vijendran and Perodua Worker's Union president Mohd Khair Mansor.

According to reports, Razak is said to be seeking the formation of the Malaysian National Workers Organisation (MNWO) due to MTUC's "weak and ineffective" leadership and to "change the face of unionism" in the country.

Razak was reported to have said the matter would be discussed with the Registrar of Societies and that they have garnered the support of at least 20 unions presently affiliated with MTUC.

Transport Workers Union, led by former MTUC president Zainal Rampak, has also pledged support to the MNWO.

The 20 unions were reportedly sympathetic towards Zainal, who was ousted after 19 years at MTUC's helm by Syed Sharir Syed Mohamud in December 2004.

'One big family'

Fong declined to comment when asked if he supported the formation of the MNWO but reiterated his call for the MTUC to resolve the matter peacefully.

"The MTUC is like one big family and should be united to serve as an umbrella body (for labour unions) and take care of all workers. I appeal to all parties to resolve their difference in opinions amicably," he said.

At the press conference, the minister also emphasised that the MTUC must accept the government's decision to raise fuel prices across the board by 30 sen.

"They must accept that the petrol hike as a reality. This should not be made into a trade dispute between the MTUC, the government and the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF)," said Fong.

Fong also formally announced that he would chair a tripartite task force conciliatory committee which will see the inclusion of MTUC and the MEF to study suggestions by the two organisations in tackling problems arising from rising fuel costs.

Presently, the MTUC is preparing a memorandum outlining the effects of the oil price hike with recommendations on how to reduce the financial burden of ordinary citizens.

The memorandum will be submitted to the prime minister on March 27. The umbrella body will also lead a 'people's gathering' at the KLCC in Kuala Lumpur on March 26 at 10am.